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Friends, colleagues come together to show support for injured firefighter

Published On: Dec 28 2012 10:32:04 AM EST

MIAMI -

Hugs and handshakes were exchanged outside a Miami hospital on Thursday night, hours after a Treasure Coast firefighter suffered critical injuries while battling a house fire in Stuart.

Jahwann McIntyre, 22, has been with Martin County Fire Rescue for a little more than a year. His brother and friends spoke exclusively with WPBF 25 News' Randy Gyllenhaal on Thursday night outside Jackson Memorial Hospital, which has one of the best burn units in the country.

"(He's) very brave, very strong," said his brother, Jonathan Bradley. "He'll definitely pull through this. Just keep him in your prayers."

McIntyre hustled into the burning home with other firefighters and somehow they got trapped. Hours later, he was receiving treatment at Jackson, and dozens of colleagues -- some who know him well and others who've never met him -- followed him their to show their support.

"When he got hired, we became very close on and off the job," paramedic Renzo Urzola said. "He's a great guy and a great firefighter."

McIntyre's family has been getting calls of support from nearly every rescue agency in South Florida, Gyllenhaal reported.

Just quick update on our brother Jahwann. His night was relatively uneventful which is a good thing. Jahwann is still on a ventilator and is of course he is heavily medicated to keep him as comfortable as possible and allow his body to begin the healing process. He was able to open his eyes this morning and even tried to sit up.

A firefighter from Miami-Dade County who was severely burned (60%) on the job several years ago, came to visit Jahwann and his family yesterday to show them that recovery is most definitely possible. Although the road will be long, this firefighter is living proof that it can be done. This is just one inspiring example of the amazing things that are happening within the brotherhood. In the coming days we will continue to share some of these stories as we keep you updated on Jahwann's progress.

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